AHS Success Stories

Doug Osborn with Geography Photography:
Starting this month, we'd like to introduce you to those among us that are entrepreneurs. First up is Doug Osborn, AHS Class of 1988.

Doug has owned Geography Photography for the past four years and is currently based out of Austin, Texas. Paula Vitchkoski-Jones recently had an opportunity to chat with Doug about his company and his love for photography.


Doug got started with his photography business when friends and family suggested that he try and sell some of his work. When asked about his favorite aspect of photography, Doug noted that, "I love that I can take a photograph of the same place, but get such a different outcome from someone else. Photographs can tell great and interesting stories."


While he does not do his own developing, he does offer his prints for sale. You can view them at http://www.geographyphotography.com


To order prints simply, "send me signed blank checks...I'll do the rest. Or they can contact me through doug{at}geographyphotography{dot}com."

Here's what else he has to say about his works of art:

Paula: Are your photographs limited to geography?
Doug: Mostly of my travels - people, architecture, landscapes

Paula: What is your photographic inspiration?
Doug: Capturing the beauty that God has placed all around us.

Paula: What is the most interesting photgraph you have taken?
Doug: A photo called "Faith". It was a photo of my niece, Faith, taken her first day in the hospital. Her Great Grandmother was stroking her finger along Faith's nose. It was great to see the "family" and "generations" within just that simple image.

*Note: You can view "Faith" by clicking here

Blog Header Contest

We know there are lots of talented folks among us. So, here is your chance to show off your skills, get some well-deserved credit, and a prize too.

Help us dress up the blog by designing your best Aviano Saints blog header.

Submit it to christy.broxton@gmail.com by December 28, 2008. We'll select the best of the best and that header will grace this blog beginning January 1, 2009.

The only rules are:
Display the words "Aviano Saints" prominently in the design
Nothing vulgar or in bad taste
Dimensions: 760 pixels wide and no more than 400 pixels high, 72 dpi

The winner will receive bragging rights for blingin' the blog and a small token of our appreciation!

Now ... grab that Wacom tablet and open up your Photoshop. Time's a wastin'

Support our Saints

No matter which years you lived in Aviano or the length of time you spent in the shadow of the Italian Alps, the fact that you called Aviano home means that you are part of the Saint family!

Part of this blog’s function will be to highlight members of our family – whether they are entrepreneurs, artists, or hobbyists – that provide a service or own a business. We’ll make a directory of Saint-owned businesses so that you can support them and help spread the word. After all, isn’t that something you’d do for family??

If you have a business, whether it’s specific to a certain area or internet based, please send us your information so that we can feature you in the directory. Email your:

• business name
• brief description
• areas serviced
• contact information

to christy[dot]broxton[at]gmail[dot]com or paulavjones[at]msn[dot]com

Watch the blog in December as we kick off the “Support our Saints” blog posts just in time for last-minute Christmas shopping!

Italian Language Tools and Fun

Here are a few sites we thought you might find of interest.

LiveMocha:
The first is LiveMocha - a free site that offers language courses. Brush up on your Italian or tackle any of the other languages offered. From what I understand, classes are similar in style to Rosetta Stone.

Word for the Day:
Next, enjoy a new Italian word each day. Follow them on Twitter or sign up to receive it by email. (Other receipt options are available)

Language Blog:
The word for the day site also offers a partner blog that features interesting tidbits and stories about Italy and the Italian language.

Italy from the Inside:
Paolo Tosolini (who originally hails from the Friuli region) maintains a blog entitled Italy from the Inside. He features basic tips for visitors to Italy, snapshots of daily Italian life, and links/reviews to lots of other Italian interest websites and blogs. In addition to the written blog, video and audio podcasts are available.

New Flickr Group

We've added a Flickr group so that everyone can upload photos from our days in Aviano. Currently, you have to be approved to join the group, but it's a short process and then you'll be able to upload all you like.

Aviano Saints Flickr Group

We are aware that most everyone is online with Facebook and that photos have been uploaded there. However, some limitations are inherent with Facebook and this Flickr group allows for greater viewership and participation. So, feel free to add your pics here as well.

Grazie!

Las Vegas Reunion 2009

Dani Vaughn-Tucker started an additional Facebook group to help plan an all-classes reunion. They've settled on Las Vegas in early May 2009.

So, if you are on Facebook, check out the group here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44169900434

Ciao ~

Calling all Bloggers

We'd love to link from our blog to yours. So, if you're a former or current Saint and you are a blogger, send over your blog address. Just leave a comment on this post or send an email or Facebook message to us. We'll be sure to add it to the AHS Blogroll.

Ciao ~